ABSTRACT
The practice of Yoruba religion was originally restricted to Yorubaland in Southwestern Nigeria majorly. The religion subscribes to a belief in God, the creator and sustainer of the universe. In addition, there are deities (Orisa), who act as lieutenants to Olodumare (God). Also there are the ancestors, who have been described as the ‘living-dead’ because though physically dead, they remain vibrant stakeholders in the family and community. Furthermore, there is the belief in spirits, medicine and magic. Yoruba religion promotes mutual interdependency and respect and evidences of this abounds in the people's oral genres. The ritual space remains the venue of interaction between the mortal and the divine in Yoruba religion. This is done through activities such as sacrifice, liturgy, recitations, songs and dances. The Yoruba also celebrate rites of passage including birthing, marriage and burial with ritual components. However, due to diverse factors, Yoruba religion has become a world religion in terms of spread and the citizenship of adherents. One fundamental factor that contributed to the presence of Yoruba religion in the diaspora was the Transatlantic slave trade. In addition, migration and the media have significantly influenced the spread and practice of Yoruba religion in the diaspora, especially the Internet, as well as social platforms.
The presence of Yoruba religion in the diaspora has brought certain compelling challenges to fore that needs to be addressed. These include issues of authenticity of sacrifices, initiations and ritual items. In addition, the tension between the rules and regulations of host societies for Yoruba religion in the diaspora and Yoruba religious practices needs to be mitigated. The ultimate aim of this chapter therefore is to attempt an analysis of these challenges and proffer plausible solutions as suggestions.
